CEBU, Philippines — A sweeping political transition in Cebu’s key local government units following the 2025 midterm elections has prompted renewed calls from the business sector for unity, institutional collaboration, and economic reform.
The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) have expressed strong support for the incoming administration, led by Mayor-elect Jonkie Ouano of Mandaue City, Cebu City Mayor-elect Nestor Archival, and Cebu Province Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro.
With the conclusion of a highly contested electoral cycle, business leaders are urging a shift from partisan division toward a collective economic agenda.
“Political colors must now give way to cooperation and shared purpose,” said Mark Ynoc, president of MCCI.
He commended the outgoing officials, Mayor Jonas Cortes and Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, for their service and expressed confidence in the incoming leadership’s ability to foster economic resilience.
Ynoc reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to championing inclusive economic sectors — including healthcare, education, food security, and MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprise) development — describing them as foundational to Cebu’s long-term growth and improved quality of life.
Jay Yuvallos, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), echoed the call for a unified front, proposing a “tripartite alliance” between government, business, and civil society.
“This political transition is more than a change in leadership. It is a strategic opportunity to position Cebu as a globally competitive hub for innovation, investment, and sustainable development,” Yuvallos said.
The business chambers emphasized that while Cebu remains one of the Philippines’ most dynamic economic regions outside Metro Manila — buoyed by its strategic location, demographic strength, and evolving infrastructure — it continues to grapple with systemic challenges. These include regulatory inefficiencies, infrastructure deficits, and persistent social disparities.
Addressing these constraints will require what Yuvallos described as “decisive action and inclusive governance.”
He identified ease of doing business, enhanced public-private partnerships, and the development of robust innovation ecosystems as critical levers for Cebu’s next phase of economic transformation.
CCCI Past President and Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Central Visayas Area Regional Governor Melanie Ng said
The business sector is eager and committed to work together with the newly elected officials to support programs that will promote innovative inclusivity, competitiveness and drive economic growth.
“We believe that with the government and private sector working together hand in hand, the investment potential and economic possibilities can be limitless for our local economy and the country as a whole,” Ng said.
As Cebu embarks on this new political chapter, stakeholders across sectors appear aligned in their call: to convert political momentum into enduring, broad-based progress.